I love it over at facebook, and my cousin Joe Carlini sent me an invitation to join a group called Gravy Wars, South Philly Food Feuds and Attytudes.
Growing up, we always called the red sauce you put on pasta (macaroni for us South Philadelphians) gravy. It wasn't until I was an adult that I realized that for the majority of people in the area, gravy was brown and you put it on roast beef. Well, we call that brown gravy! If you are having a seafood sauce, my mom always called it seafood gravy. Just putting crabs in it... crab gravy. Very simple.
Of course, this was only one of the many things that I realized was different about me than my non Italian friends. When I go out to lunch, I love to get soup and a 1/2 of a sandwich. Now, when the menu says, your choice of bread. to me that implies I can have my choice of bread. Okay, I'll have chicken salad on a roll. Bad enough they are going to call it a kaiser roll, wherever that name came from, but now they tell me I can't have my sandwich on a roll. I say why not... the menu says my choice of bread. Oh, it has to be sliced bread. They can't cut the roll in half... who else will eat it? Seriously? There isn't one other Italian girl in this restaurant that wants a 1/2 of a sandwich?
Italians make meals into great social gatherings. I love to sit around the kitchen table with friends and family and eat, talk and laugh. Meals are meant to be celebrated and enjoyed. Not something to get over with. I have my doubts about a person who doesn't love food. How passionless. I love to watch people eat that love it! I love to cook for people who love to eat.
My husband makes me mad every time we have dinner. I go to great lengths to delicately spice my meals and the man puts hot pepper relish on everything. Why do I bother? He wouldn't know the difference! And he doesn't like seafood gravy? And he likes to watch TV while he eats. And he wants to eat his salad first. What is up with that? We always had salad at the end of the meal. How else would your stomach know it was time for dessert? His family always rushed through the meal so that they could all line up in front of the TV. One family meal that included his side of the family forced me to unplug the TV and pretend I didn't know what was wrong with it. Sadly, they figured it right out!
I loved growing up in South Philadelphia. I loved having close neighbors and sitting on the front step on a warm summer night, talking and laughing. I loved walking down a South Phiilly street on a warm summer Sunday and smelling everyone's gravy simmering on their stoves! I loved that I could walk every where I needed to go and I loved feeling like I belonged somewhere. I looked like everyone else, I talked like everyone else. I was Italian, and pretty much, so was everyone else!
So, the next time a pretty Italian woman invites you over for gravy, at least now you'll know what she's talking about!
I have a lovely older couple that I working with. We've known each other for quite a while, although they say years, I don't believe it's quite that long. We first met when they called me about one of my listings. I met them out at the house, we got along like a house on fire (God, I love that expression), and we have been looking here and there ever since. They really want to downsize, stay in the area, and have a manageable maintenance fee on a town home or condo.
These people are just the nicest people you want to meet, and I email them regulary with listings, I call them and go see them and I really enjoy them. Last week, I emailed them the lastest price reduction on new construction in our area, a lovely 55 and older community called the The Arbours at West Goshen. Now, you know, being in this business for over 20 years, we had the talk. Please do not go into new construction without me. Sure, they say.
Last evening, I got a lovely email from an agent named Janice Roosevelt. Janice was at the site yesterday when my lovely couple decided to go over and check out the new pricing that I had sent them! Yep... they did. They went in without me! But, because they are lovely people, they mentioned me, and because Janice is a lovely lady, she emailed me, and we all went back to the site today to see if we couldn't get the answers these buyers need to make a good decision for themselves.
Janice had some car trouble and Matthew Fetick of the Matt Fetick Real Estate Team, of whom Janice is a member, was at the site to help me out. Wow! 
Matt is a real people person, was very gracious to me and my clients, and the best part was that he knew me from Active Rain! Matt spent a good two hours with us, explained all of the ins and outs and had a great wealth of knowledge about the community and was very helpful. Janice got there and when I went to shake her hand, she said, I recognize you from seeing your picture every morning on Active Rain! Wow! Both Matt and Janice sang my praises to the buyers and they sang my praises to the agents and I left there feeling like I was walking on a cloud.
So, this is really a thank you. Many thanks to Janice and Matt for their help and their willingness to work with me and my buyers. A big thank you to Active Rain for making it possible for me to get recongized by these two great agents and for building the community of wonderful people we have here.
Here's hoping that Janice, Matt and I can put this agreement together and get these lovely folks a new home!
Here are the dates for some of the West Chester area Townships with websites that listed Christmas tree pickup dates. .
To be safe, put the tree by the curb the night before.
East Goshen
Saturday, January 10, 2009
According to the website, do not place tree in a plastic bag. Trees in plastic WILL NOT be picked up.
West Goshen
January 24, 2009
West Goshen residents may still opt to drop off their trees at the Municipal Complex between Friday, 12/26 and Sunday, 1/20.
Westtown Township
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Please take everything off of the tree and do not put in a plastic bag. Trees will be composted.
East Bradford Township
Saturdays, January 10 and January 17
Place undecorated tree at the curb by 6:00 AM or you may drop the tree off at the township building, Brush Drop-off site.
If you are thinking of a move to the West Chester area, I can help you get all of the information you need to make an informed decision. Call or email today. I promise I won't be too busy to show you around!
Josh Barker at the Chester County Historical Society does a great job getting the word out about all the great things that go on at The Cultural Center at the Chester County Historical Society. With his permission, here is what is going on tomorrow:
The Brandywine Singers will present a concert of a cappella carols and anthems on December 19th, 2008 at The Chester County Historical Society at 7:30pm. This concert will feature favorite secular and sacred carols presented by Chester County's premier chamber vocal ensemble in an intimate, festive setting. Tickets are provided through the Historical Society and are $10 and $8 for CCHS members. Ticket reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling 610-692-4800.
About The Brandywine Singers:
The Brandywine Singers are a 501c3 chamber choral ensemble in their 16th season of existence. The ensemble was founded by West Chester University professor Lois Williams in 1993 and has a long-standing history of providing Chester County with fine choral concerts of outstanding choral repertoire. Past concerts have included performances of Handel's Messiah, Vivaldi's Gloria, Britten's Hymn to St. Cecilia and Ceremony of Carols, Durufle's Requiem, Pinkham's Christmas Cantata, Rutter's Gloria, and Mozart's Requiem and Regina Coeli.
Visit www.thebrandywinesingers.org for more information
Date: Friday, December 19, 2008
Time: 7:30 pm
Admission: Members $8.00 Non-members $10.00
Check out the website at: http://www.cchs-pa.org/
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I love Chester County and I would love to show you why! If you have been thinking about a move to this area, call or email me. I'm an easygoing real estate agent who loves working with people.
I love Chester County.
My family is very important to me, most important are my two sons.
RE/MAX PREFERRED, WEST CHESTER OFFICE.
http://www.komendonations.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Sold_for_the_Cure
From Tom Zosh, Coatesville, PA
Susan is the best Realtor I have ever worked with!
From Leslie Margolis, now of Virginia
"My husband and I have known Susan and her wonderful family for approximately 8 years. When we needed to relocate, Susan was the perfect choice. She led us through the process, handled all of the arrangements while I was out of town. The house was sold in record time for a great price. You will enjoy working with Susan."
Service Category: Real Estate Agent
Year first hired: 2006
Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity
From Bill Michaud, now living in Raleigh, NC
"Susan was a great asset to have working with us when we were relocating. She knows how to attract buyers. Her knowledge of the market helped us sell our house quickly at a price that higher than we expected. I recommend having Susan as your realtor, we had a terrific experience."
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From Regina, West Chester:
1. Were you happy with the frequency of communications?yes
2. My Professionalism?yes
3. My knowledge of the industry?yes
4. Did you find me easy to work with?yes
5. Were problems handled satisfactorily?yes
6. Were you satisfied with my service overall?yes
7. Would you recommend me to a friend or a relative?yes
8. Would you be willing to speak with a potential client if they asked me for a reference?yes
What made you select me as your Realtor?
Referred by a friend
What did you like best about working with me?
You did not pressure us
Was there something about me that you didn't like? Be honest.
You're too skinny
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From Stephanie in Willistown:
What made you select me as your Realtor referred by family member
What did you like best about working with me?
fun, nice, listened to exactly what my husband and i were looking for in 0ur first house and showed us only that, always available when we had a question or concern.
Was there something about me that you didn't like? Be honest. NO!!! NO!!!
Looking back on your transaction, what stands out the most in your mind?
.....how genuinely happy you were/are for my husband and i being first time homeowners and how you really looked out for our best interest....i remember one particular house was a "little weird and smelly"......and you said...."let's get out of here"......looking out for our best interest......
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From Steve and Lisa
What made you select me as your Realtor? - We liked your demeanor the first time you took us to see a house. We were taken by your approachability, flexibility, and... you're just so nice. Plus, there was no pressure to sign the exclusive agreement.
What did you like best about working with me? - You never gave up on us. Even by the one hundredth and sixty fifth house (or something in that ball park), you continued to treat us the same way, each time we saw another house.
Was there something about me that you didn't like? Be honest. No; the entire experience was good. We were very pleased.
Looking back on your transaction, what stands out the most in your mind? The fact that you never pushed us in a direction that we were uncomfortable with. For example, when selling our home, we chose not to hold an open house. That meant a lot.
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From Mick and Tini, Downingtown:
Were you happy with the frequency of communications? Very. You kept the listings coming, responded promptly to questions (and changes in direction from us!), and kept up the energy even as our search dragged on into several months.
My Professionalism? Absolutely. This was best reflected in your interactions with other realtors and homesellers. You also managed a change in realtor office with grace and professionalism.
My knowledge of the industry? Seemed very sound, and you were honest when you felt we were looking outside your market area and connected us with extra realtors.
Did you find me easy to work with? A delight. A pleasure even.
Were you satisfied with my service overall? Absolutely.
Would you recommend me to a friend or a relative? Definitely.
Would you be willing to speak with a potential client if they asked me for a reference? If I can recommend your soup, too, of course. . . .
What made you select me as your Realtor? Our realtor brother-in-law found you through Remax and referred us.
What did you like best about working with me? Relaxed, good-humored, patient, with no sense of urgency or push to closure.
Was there something about me that you didn't like? Be honest. Honestly? No, we were all very happy with your service.
Looking back on your transaction, what stands out the most in your mind? Who knew buying a house over six months could be so much fun. You kept our protracted, evening-time house hunt pleasant and painless.
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From Carole in East Goshen.
Were you happy with the frequency of communications? Yes
What made you select me as your Realtor? We liked the way you handled the transaction when we bought the Amalfi house and you were very easy to talk to. You also take on your clients as friends and look out for your clients after the transaction.
What did you like best about working with me? Advocacy for us and very entertaining to be with.
Was there something about me that you didn't like? Be honest. You are way too funny (just kidding)
Looking back on your transaction, what stands out the most in your mind? Helping us on choosing the right buyer from the several potential offers with honesty and insight.
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From Michele, Drexel Hill
Were you happy with the frequency of communications? Very happy - always staying on top of my needs.
My Professionalism? Very professional - gives good insight into situations that I may not see for myself.
My knowledge of the industry? Has a good feel for what the market is doing.
Did you find me easy to work with? Absolutely! And has much patience!
Were problems handled satisfactorily? No problems have occurred that I am aware of.
Were you satisfied with my service overall? So far, yes!
Would you recommend me to a friend or a relative? Definitely!
What made you select me as your Realtor? Known realtor for many years.
hat did you like best about working with me? Knowledge of the market, eagerness to make sure I am pleased and content.
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